The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued urgent weather warnings for both the East and West coasts, highlighting contrasting but severe threats. A storm approaching the eastern seaboard has prompted coastal flood advisories for New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey. Simultaneously, far to the west, a dangerous red flag warning for potential wildfires is in effect for Colorado's Front Range.
East Coast Braces for Coastal Flooding
The NWS stated that coastal flood advisories will be active on Friday morning for multiple areas. These include parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, southern Nassau County, and northern New Jersey. The agency warned that vulnerable spots in Queens and Long Island could see up to one foot of inundation, particularly between 4 am and 10 am on Friday.
Meanwhile, areas like Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Hudson, Essex, and Union counties are expected to face around half-a-foot of flooding from 5 am to 11 am on the same day. While not catastrophic, the flooding poses risks to some roads and low-lying properties such as parking lots, parks, and basements.
Authorities have advised commuters to plan for longer travel times during the advisory period. A critical warning was issued for drivers: do not drive around barricades or through water-covered roads.
Colorado Faces Extreme Fire Weather Threat
On the opposite side of the country, the NWS has raised a red flag warning or fire weather watch for Colorado's Front Range. This alert signals high winds and dry conditions that could rapidly fuel wildfires. According to NOAA meteorologist Jennifer Stark, wind gusts are forecast to hit 60 to 70 mph west of the I-25 corridor, with gusts potentially reaching 90 mph in higher elevations.
The strongest winds are anticipated in Boulder and Jefferson counties, especially at higher altitudes. Compounding the danger, humidity levels are expected to be critically low, with relative humidity hovering around 17-20%.
Stark emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that if a fire starts, it would spread quickly and be extremely hard to control. She urged residents to take the warning seriously: "Definitely pay attention to what the weather is doing... And for certain, don't do anything outdoors that's going to start a fire," she told 9NEWS.
Historical Context and Current Alert
The red flag warning, initially issued for Wednesday, was extended through Thursday. This caution is informed by tragic past events. Notably, on 30 December 2021, the devastating Marshall Fire erupted under similar conditions in Colorado. That fire destroyed 1,084 homes in Boulder County, earning the grim title of the state's most destructive wildfire. The current warning reflects lessons learned from that catastrophe.
In summary, while the East Coast prepares for storm-driven flooding impacting daily commutes, the West grapples with a high-stakes wildfire threat driven by powerful winds and parched air, putting residents and properties at significant risk.
